Omentum

Lesser Omentum

A fold of peritoneum that extends from the lesser curvature of the stomach to the inferior surface of the liver. It consists of the hepatoduodenal ligament and hepatogastric ligament. The portal trial lies in the free margin of the hepatoduodenal ligament and consists of:

1. Portal Vein (posterior)

2. Common Bile Duct (anterior and to the right)

3. Hepatic Artery (anterior and to the left)

Great Omentum

A fold of peritoneum, that contains fat and hangs down from the greater curvature of the stomach and is the first structure that is seen when the peritoneal cavity is first opened, it hangs inferiorly over the transverse colon and small intestine, and folds to adhere to the peritoneum of the transverse colon. It is known as the abdominal policeman because it adheres to areas of inflammation.

The greater omentum connects the stomach to the spleen by way of the gastrosplenic ligament and the stomach to the inferior surface of the diaphragm by the gastrophrenic ligament.